International Campers

Part of what makes ISTC such an incredible experience is the variety of cultures and backgrounds that make up our Team Green family!

Each camper follows the same daily summer camp schedule, whether they are international campers or U.S. campers. They stay in the same cabins and participate in the same activities together, to facilitate a sense of togetherness and unity. International campers really soak up the U.S. experience this way, by building genuine and lasting friendships with the American campers. And vice versa, our American campers learn so much about what life is like in different parts of the world through interacting with their new international friends. It’s the ultimate win-win!

Read on for answers to some of the most common questions asked by international campers. If you don’t see what you’re looking for feel free to contact us!

What language(s) do you speak at ISTC?

English is our predominant language at ISTC and we encourage all campers and staff to speak it to sharpen their English skills. Depending on our staff members’ and campers’ backgrounds, other languages may be spoken as well. However, we cannot guarantee that anyone will be able to speak in your child’s native language, so a basic understanding of English is necessary!

Where do international campers usually come from?

This differs from year to year, but in the past we have welcomed international campers from places such as France, Spain, South Africa, Taiwan, Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Germany, Barbados, Mexico, Italy, China, The Philippines, and the United Kingdom. We are thrilled to be constantly expanding our list of international camper countries!

How will my international camper travel to/from ISTC?

If your camper is able to fly into Lehigh Valley Airport (ABE), we will be happy to meet them at the gate and personally escort them to camp. If you are not able to fly into Lehigh Valley International Airport, we also pick up campers at Newark (EWR). If you’re flying by private charter, the closest airport is Mount Pocono.

Your child’s arrival and departure flights must be between the following times:

Lehigh Valley International (ABE)
10:00am – 8:00pm
$100.00 round trip

Newark International (EWR)
12:00pm – 8:00pm
$200.00 round trip

If your child is arriving by plane, please contact the office before purchasing your tickets so we may provide you with additional information and so that you can schedule your arrival and departure based upon our check-in and check-out times.

How can I communicate with my child while he/she is at ISTC?

We understand the special circumstances surrounding our international campers’ communication with home. We have a variety of ways you can keep in touch with your child while they are at ISTC that do not take away from the camp experience! Phone calls, emails, text messages, and other modes of communications can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss further!

How long should my international camper stay at ISTC?

This is completely up to you! Our basic program is one week in duration, but many campers choose to stay two, three, four, or more weeks. Since our international campers are traveling a far distance, many choose to stay for multiple weeks, but the choice is entirely yours.

Will my camper need a visa to attend camp?

Each country has different visa regulations regarding the United States. Please check with your country’s immigration offices to see if a visa is necessary.

Will my camper need medical insurance to attend camp?

All campers need U.S. medical insurance to attend camp. It is not okay to only have travel insurance because many times the coverages are inadequate. You may contact USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services by visiting www.travelinsure.com/vusa132522 or call 1-800-937-1387, at least one month prior to your child’s arrival to arrange a short term policy for camp. You MUST include the Hazardous Activities additional rider with your purchase for an additional 20% of your premium. Your camper needs this additional rider for the use of Jet-skis, Mountain Biking, and Rock Wall climbing.

How can I pay for camp?

To make it easy for our international campers, you can wire or bank transfer the tuition. We will walk you through the process.